Heart Health Made Easier: Everyday Actions and MSU Benefits to Keep You Healthy

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, which refers to several conditions including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmia, and heart valve problems, results in one death every 34 seconds (CDC, 2026).

Cardiovascular disease is no longer something people only have to worry about as they get older. The CDC states, “In 2023, about 1 out of every 6 deaths from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was among adults younger than 65 years old” (CDC, 2026).

The good news is cardiovascular disease is largely preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. The following tips and MSU benefit resources will help keep you and your family healthy:

  • Know Your Numbers: Take charge of your health by knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and take steps to improve them if needed.
    • Schedule your annual wellness check-up. Many miss their annual check-up because they forget or don’t prioritize it. Schedule your yearly visit so your doctor can check these numbers and other important health metrics. If you’re enrolled in an MSU health plan, you can learn more about your plan and find links to find a provider on the HR website.
    • Use Livongo by Teledoc Health for Diabetes Management. Livongo is a diabetes management program that provides unlimited test strips, connected meter, optional coaching, online records, and more – all FREE for MSU employees and their eligible dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan. Learn more about Livongo and how to sign up.
  • Support Your Mental Health: According to the American Heart Association, “Increasing evidence shows that biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues may also influence heart disease” (AHA, 2023). These chemical changes can predispose people to other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease. University Health and Wellbeing supports our university community with health and well-being equitably woven throughout all aspects of Spartan life. They offer a variety of resources for employees, including:
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available through University Health and Wellbeing, MSU employees or retirees and their benefits-eligible dependents have access to the EAP, which provides confidential counseling at no cost. To best fit your schedule, EAP offers both virtual and in-person appointments. 
    • Spartan Resilience Educational Webinars: From understanding shame and building shame resilience to setting healthy boundaries and navigating hard times, these webinars are here to help!
    • Move More @ Work: An ongoing campaign facilitated by University Health and Wellbeing’s Health Promotion and Engagement office. Browse offerings, learn more about on-campus opportunities, and get moving more at work!
    • Worklife Wellbeing: Check out the Worklife Wellbeing seminar options to see what you might want to learn more about.
    • Mindful State: An emerging university-wide, collaborative initiative to help Spartans learn the benefits of mindfulness and access resources to develop or strengthen their mindfulness practices.
  • Evaluate Your Diet: Eating certain foods may decrease your chances of developing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Avoiding these conditions may decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
    • Eat a Variety of Plants: Try to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables (American Heart Association, 2025). The AHA also recommends whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, fish, lean meat, dairy foods, plant-based milk alternatives, healthy fats, and salt-free seasonings.
  • Quit Smoking. Smoking harms almost every part of the body, including your heart (AHA). It’s never too late to quit and there are both short- and long-term benefits to giving up smoking.

Sources:

American Heart Association (2023, Nov 9). Mental Health and Heart Health. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/mental-health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-and-heart-health

American Heart Association (2025, September 5). Your guide to Healthy Eating Habits that Stick. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/your-guide-to-healthy-eating-habits-that-stick

American Heart Association (2024, January 19). American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

American Heart Association. (n.d.). How can I quit smoking? Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/how-can-i-quit-smoking.pdf

CDC. “About Sodium and Health.” (2025, Feb. 3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, www.cdc.gov/salt/about/index.html

CDC. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accessed 2 Feb. 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Job of The Week: Accountant II

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This week’s featured job is an Accountant II for the College of Education (job posting 1110701). If you are interested in assisting the Department of Teacher Education in budget management, reporting, forecasting, and financial planning, this may be the position for you.

The MSU College of Education’s mission is planted in leadership, scholarship, and service. They strive to develop and implement excellence in the community, and strive to sustain the college as a scholarly space for the community, staff, and students. Focusing heavily on information education reform and policy in schools all around, the College of Education is constantly pushing to better the preparation of educators.

In this position, you will bring expertise in academic financial operations, an understanding of human resources, and strong communication skills to work closely with the Chair of Teacher Education, college budget officer, dean’s office accountant, and college human resources. You will oversee the fiscal activities of a complex academic unit working towards both short and long term financial goals. You will authorize all department purchases, address non-routine financial questions, and research, prepare, and verify financial statements. Your key responsibilities include budgeting, account management, reporting, financial guidance, and human resources with the possibility of additional duties being assigned to support administrative operations. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a college degree in accounting, and three to five years of experience working in supervision, accounting procedures, and developing accounting controls. You should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience in a fast-paced, complex, and multi-faceted academic department environment. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the College of Education and Department of Teacher Education. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications should be submitted by February 17.

 

FSA Deadline Reminder for 2025 Funds  

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Do you still have funds left over from your 2025 flexible spending account (FSA)? If you signed up for a health care FSA, dependent care FSA, or both in 2025 and still have funds remaining in your account, you have a grace period in 2026 to use these funds. 

The grace period gives you time to purchase eligible products or services before you forfeit unused 2025 funds. Don’t lose your money! Take note of the following important deadlines: 

The IRS requires you to forfeit any unused 2025 funds after the deadline, so be sure to spend your money and submit claims before it’s too late! 

If you have a Dependent Care FSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as child or adult daycare, preschool, and before/after school programs. Find a complete list of eligible dependent care expenses here. 

If you have a Health Care FSA, you can purchase a variety of products and services with pre-tax dollars. Find a complete list of eligible health care expenses here. If you need ideas for what to use your health care FSA funds on, check out the FSA store.  

How Do I Sign Up for an FSA? 

Benefits-eligible employees are eligible to enroll in an FSA during Open Enrollment in October each year or if they experience a qualifying life event. FSAs are a great way to save money on out-of-pocket medical and/or dependent care expenses. Be sure to learn more and take note of which FSA you’re interested in before the next Open Enrollment period. 

Questions? 

Please contact HealthEquity directly at 877-924-3967 or visit the HealthEquity website to learn more about how to use your leftover 2025 funds before the deadline. You can also learn more about FSAs on the HR website.

Job of The Week: Disability Services Manager

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This week’s featured job is a Disability Services Manager for University Health and Wellbeing (job posting 1109647). If you are interested in enhancing access, opportunity, and success for everyone at Michigan State University, this position may be for you.

The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD), in partnership with University Health and Wellbeing, provides leadership and support for access, inclusion, and disability-related accommodations across Michigan State University. RCPD assists with student and employee success by collaborating through an interactive process to determine and implement accommodations, connecting individuals with resources and technology, and ensuring accommodations are carried out efficiently. Through its programs and campus partnerships, RCPD promotes access and inclusivity and upholds MSU’s commitment to equity, well-being, and full participation in the academic, work, and campus experience.

Working closely with the director and RCPD team, you will identify needs, develop technology solutions, and build funding and strategic partnerships to advance MSU’s leadership in accessibility. Additionally, you will work with students, staff, and faculty to determine specific technological options to best address the barriers and needs of the RCPD accommodation operations. You will also ensure efficient coordination and implementation of support services in this hybrid position.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a college degree and a minimum of three years of experience working in disability services or a related student affairs area. You should bring extensive knowledge of assistive and information technologies, disability-related laws, and the use of assessments, interviews, and documentation to determine and implement effective accommodations. You should communicate clearly in writing and presentations, work collaboratively with diverse partners, and be able to operate independently with minimal guidance. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about RCPD on the MSU University Health and Wellbeing website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by February 10.

February Events Round-Up

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It’s almost February, which means it is time to share February events! This month holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required. 

Campus Events

Black History Month Events at MSU: Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month each year in February and, this year, recognizes its 50th anniversary as a federal designation. This month is dedicated to highlighting the U.S. history of Black and African American people and their contributions to society. Across campus this month, colleges, units and student organizations will commemorate Black and African American history, culture and community.

February 7, 17, and 22 – MSU Men’s Home Basketball Games: Come visit the Breslin Center and cheer on the Michigan State Spartans Men’s Basketball Team at a home game this February! 

February 15 and 21 – MSU Women’s Gymnastics Home Meets: Jenison Field in MSU’s campus is home of the MSU Women’s Gymnastics Team! Come watch a home meet this February to support the team.

February 19, 20, 27, and 28 – MSU Men’s Hockey Home Games: Visit the Munn Ice Arena to support the MSU Men’s Hockey Team this season!

February 20 – Broad Underground: Latinx Experimental Moving Image: This Broad Underground screening is part of the MSU Latinx Film Festival (LxFF), a biennial, curated film festival that serves the Great Lake State of Michigan with a special focus on the Latino/a/x communities of Michigan State University, the greater Lansing area, and the mid-Michigan region.

February 14-22 – Echoes From The Banks of the Red Cedar: Discover the hidden potential beneath the surface through an innovative collaboration involving Alexandria Davis, Kevin Jones, MSU Dance Minors, College of Music students, and MFA candidate Niloufar Fallahfar. With elements of dance, dialogue, music, and sculpture, it celebrates our collective ability to grow and transform, even after long periods of dormancy. 

February 22 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: Now in its fifth year, this annual event celebrates the Lunar New Year with a special guest performance by renowned Chinese musician Dr. Haiqiong Deng. Through a program titled Nature, Music, and Convergence, Deng presents a musical journey highlighting the expressive traditions of the zheng and qin, offering a rich reflection on cultural identity, memory, and innovation.

Learning Opportunities 

HR’s Organization and Professional Development Courses:

February 10, 11 and 12 – Getting Things Done: This course teaches skills to manage the constant flow of requests, tasks, and interruptions that face employees at all levels of an organization. By learning how to capture, clarify, and organize incoming requests, participants are more likely to make strategic decisions about where to invest their time and energy in ways that improve results and decrease missed deadlines, mistakes, and stress.

February 19 – Cultural Competency I: One of MSU’s guiding principles is to lead inclusively, actively, and intentionally to promote full participation and a sense of safety and belonging for all employees and staff. Join us in building cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills that strengthen cultural competence!

February 19 – Roadmap to Retirement: If you are an MSU faculty or staff member, and you have decided to retire within a year or two, this half-day workshop covers a range of topics critical to your successful retirement.

February 26 – The Spartan Experience: This training is grounded in real MSU examples, team activities, and self-reflection. Whether you work in student services, facilities, finance, or academic support, you’ll walk away with tangible strategies to elevate your service mindset and make a positive impact, one interaction at a time.

MSU University Health and Wellbeing Options:

February 2, 9 and 16  – Informal Mindfulness:  Spartan Resilience Education invites you to learn informal mindfulness skills to help you find a sense of balance in your life.This class will teach you some basic, informal mindfulness skills that can help you center and find a sense of balance while you move through your busy days.

February 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Developing Emotional Resilience: This course gives you the opportunity to explore the difference between emotional literacy, emotional intelligence and emotional resilience, identify the difference between clean pain and dirty pain, explore the connection between emotional resilience and value guided living, and more. 

February 11 – WorkLife Wellbeing: Navigating Change in the Workplace: This session explores practical strategies for navigating change, both personally and within your team. Participants will learn how to build resilience, support others, and lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

February 16 – Relaxing Under the Stars: Visit Abrams Planetarium for a peaceful experience of a guided constellation tour using the Digistar projection system, followed by calming music under a starry sky—perfect for stress relief and mindful relaxation.

Every Monday through April 27 – Desk Decompress: Gentle movements can help counter the effects of sitting at a desk and leave you feeling more relaxed. Take a few minutes to decompress while stretching and strengthening from head to toe. Most movements can be done sitting or standing. Balance exercises may be included.

MSU Retirement Plan Administrator Resources:

Fidelity Black History Month Toolkit: For Black History Month, Fidelity put together some tips, tools, and resources to help you save more, plan better, and create a financial legacy.

February 12 – TIAA: Yours, mine, ours: Finances for blended families: Figuring out how to handle the finances when bringing different families together is not always easy. In this webinar you’ll get insights on budgeting and cash flow management, Estate planning and legal considerations, retirement planning and long-term goals, and managing differing financial priorities. 

February 24 – TIAA: Managing your finances during and after a divorce: Divorce can bring significant financial changes. From splitting assets to updating beneficiaries and creating a new financial plan, this webinar provides tools to help you take control with clarity and confidence.

Family-Friendly Events

February 7 – Family Day: SEE: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum, and explore creative possibilities of light and darkness in connection with Jan Tichy: Darkness. 

Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday – Toddler Time at Launch Lansing: Visit Launch Lansing Trampoline Park during select times to enjoy children’s music, visits from Joey the kangaroo, and a special toddler section with your little ones.

February 20 – Night Out in Nature for Kids:  At Harris Nature, the kids will explore the trails with flashlights, enjoy nature activities, and meet live animals. Pizza dinner is included.

February 28 – LEGOpalooza: Visit the Impression 5 Science Center for LEGO®Palooza 2026, an annual fundraising extravaganza packed with LEGO®-themed activities for all your friends and family!

Greater Lansing Area Events

February 4 – FIERCE Women in Sports: FIERCE Women in Sports, created on the principle that Females Ignite Empower Respect Collaborate and Engage with one another to expand our networks and strengthen relationships, is honoring National Girls & Women in Sports Day by inviting women from across the Greater Lansing region to come together and celebrate the power of sport. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, mentor, supporter, or leader — this event is for all!

February 7 – Old Town Lansing Chocolate Walk: At the Old Town Chocolate Walk, you will travel the neighborhood and collect chocolates at each location to support the Old Town Commercial Association and contribute to keeping Lansing’s Old Town revitalized. With your ticket you receive a custom box, punch card, map, and chocolates at every stop!    

February 8 – Super Bowl Lansing 5k: Start this year’s Super Bowl Sunday with a fun and fast 5K run/walk through beautiful Downtown Lansing, right in front of the State Capitol! Get in a healthy, fun race—then head off to enjoy your Super Bowl party feeling great!  

February 15 – Chinese New Year Celebration: The Greater Lansing Chinese Association and Meridian Township will co-host the annual Chinese New Year Celebration at the Meridian Mall, providing an afternoon of cultural activities and fun for the community. 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse!

Farmers Markets

1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays (January-April) – Meridian Farmers’ Indoor Market: The Market will move indoors to the JCPenney corridor of the Meridian Mall Starting on Saturday, November 29 and will run through April.

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods.

Job of The Week: Research Security Compliance Analyst

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This week’s featured job is a Research Security Compliance Analyst II for MSU’s Office of Research Regulatory Support (job posting 1105356). If you are interested in supporting the Research Security Program with data analytics and partner with units across campus to ensure compliance with federal regulatory requirements related to international engagement, this may be the role for you. 

The Office of Research Regulatory Support (ORRS) provides leadership and support for research regulatory compliance across Michigan State University. ORRS facilitates research by assisting faculty, students, and staff with regulatory requirements and ensuring research activities are conducted in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Through its regulatory programs and support units, ORRS promotes the responsible conduct of research, assures compliance with applicable regulations and university policies, protects research subjects and public health, and upholds the objectivity and integrity of research.

In this position, you will coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs on congruency checks between federal awards, biosketches, current and pending support disclosures, and commitment disclosures. You will work with the Office of Export Control and Trade Sanctions and Research Security Program to run restricted party screening and review analytics for visas, visitors, and other international engagement. Additionally, you will conduct security risk assessments for international engagements, outside activities, visiting scholars, and more. This position requires ample interaction with many units across MSU’s campus to align business processes and mitigate compliance risks. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.   

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a college degree in data analytics, legal studies, business administration, and three to five years of experience working in a university setting, with data analytics, and sponsored research. You should also have experience reading and interpreting complex regulatory requirements and running data analytics. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting. 

Learn more on the MSU ORRS website  and MSU Office of Research and Innovation website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by February 3.

Q&A: Vacation/Personal Paid Time Off (PTO)

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Do you have a plan for using your vacation/personal paid time off (PTO) this year? While most of us are aware that time away from work is crucial to maintaining mental health and supporting our relationships, we sometimes have a hard time truly disconnecting. 

While it may seem harmless to check in a couple of times while you’re away, to really benefit from a vacation you need to disconnect entirely. Review these tips for setting boundaries so you can get adequate rest and reset. Having a plan for setting boundaries with your team before, during, and after your vacation will help reduce pre- and post-vacation stress. We encourage everyone to work with their supervisor to schedule a well-deserved break.

Your Top PTO Questions 

The following are the most common questions HR receives regarding PTO and answers vary based on the employee’s personal details. These answers are only applicable to regular, benefit-eligible employees working half-time or more. Please make sure to reference the appropriate policy page for further details: support staff, faculty and academic staff, librarians, and MSU extension. 

  1. Support Staff Only: How do I find out how much PTO I currently have?
    Login to the EBS Portal and select My Time & Payroll from the top navigation, then select the Time Quota Balances tile. For support using the application, please review the Time Quota Balances help page. 
  2. Support Staff Only: How do I find out how much PTO I have used?
    Login to the EBS Portal and select My Time & Payroll from the top navigation, then select the Time Quota Usage Monthly Report tile. For support using the application, please review the Time Quota Usage Monthly help page. 
  3. Support Staff Only: How do I accrue vacation days? 
    Eligible support staff accrue vacation days monthly after completion of six months of service. The amount accrued depends on union affiliation, employment percentage, and length of employment. Please review the support staff vacation time policy page for more details. 
  4. Support Staff Only: Is there a maximum amount of vacation PTO I can accrue? 
    Yes. The maximum amount eligible support staff can accrue depends on union affiliation, employment percentage, and length of employment. Please review the support staff vacation time policy page for more details. Support staff cannot earn vacation time beyond the accrual limit. You are encouraged to use your PTO so you don’t lose out on valuable vacation time.
  5. Support Staff Only: How do I enter my PTO in EBS for supervisor approval?
    Login to the EBS Portal and select My Time & Payroll from the top navigation, then select the Time Entries & Statement tile. Enter the number of hours in the cell for the correct date in the row with the appropriate absence type. For support using the application, please review the Time Entries and Statement help page. 
  6. What is the difference between personal leave, personal observance days, and vacation PTO? 
    Eligible support staff are granted both personal leave and vacation PTO. Eligible faculty and academic staff are granted vacation PTO.  

    For support staff, up to 24 hours of personal leave PTO is granted each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). The amount granted is proportional to the employment percentage. You may not carry these hours over to the next year, so make sure you use this PTO before the fiscal year ends. Please review the support staff personal leave policy page for more details. Please note: POAM employees should review the POAM union contract for their unique personal leave policy. 

    Vacation PTO is granted to eligible employees and varies based on employee type, union affiliation, employment percentage, length of employment, and new hire status. Please review the appropriate policy for further details: support staff, faculty and academic staff, librarians, and MSU extension. 
    Personal Observance Days are two additional days (16 hours, prorated based on the start date and percent time) of personal time that eligible faculty, support, and academic staff employees will be able to use each calendar year. Please refer to the Personal Observance FAQ page for further details.
  7. I’m a new employee. Do I have immediate access to my vacation PTO? 
    This depends on your employee type. Eligible faculty, academic, and support staff have access to vacation PTO after 6 months of service. Eligible librarians and MSU Extension employees have access immediately upon employment. Please review the appropriate policy for further details: support staff, faculty and academic staff, librarians, and MSU extension. 
  8. What happens to my unused time off accruals if I leave the university—such as through retirement or termination?
    Employees will receive payment for unused vacation time and may receive a portion of accrued sick leave upon university retirement or termination in certain circumstances. Please review the appropriate policy for further details: vacation and sick leave payouts, support staff vacation time policy, and support staff sick time policy.
  9. How much vacation time can I use at once?
    It is up to each department to determine what is an appropriate amount of vacation time to be taken at once. Departments should make sure to consistently approve vacation requests fairly.
  10. For Time Entry Roles Only: What are the absence and attendance codes? 
    Please review the Absence and Attendance Codes page for specific employee groups for more information.   

Resources

More information about PTO for eligible employees can be found on the HR website (support staff and faculty/academic staff). We encourage you to review the appropriate policy pages thoroughly to help answer any questions you may have. Support staff may contact MSU Human Resources at  SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 with questions. Questions from faculty and academic staff may be directed to FASAffairs@msu.edu.


Job of The Week: Office Assistant IV

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This week’s featured job is an Office Assistant IV for MSU Information Technology (IT) (job posting 1106959). If you are interested in providing administrative support to a large central IT department and enabling MSU’s excellence in education, research, and outreach, this may be the role for you.

MSU Information Technology provides the primary leadership for strategic, financial, and policy initiatives affecting IT across Michigan State University. MSU IT offers technology resources that support MSU’s mission of providing education, conducting research, advancing engagement, and supporting staff, faculty, students, alumni, and visitors alike at MSU. 

Working in a business partner model, you will work with MSU IT’s departments to provide support to executive directors, support staff, students, and guests in the operational run of the department. You will support the director and senior leadership with calendaring, scheduling, communications, and more. Additionally, you will maintain departmental records, process and track financial processing, and provide reception services in the Office of the CIO. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to two to three years of college or technical school, and one to three years of related or progressively more expansive work experience in maintaining ledgers, departmental operations, and employment. It is desired that you have experience with SharePoint and spreadsheets, large meeting and event coordination, and strong attention to detail. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more on the MSU IT website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by January 27.

A women using her tablet.

Your Benefits: New Plan Year Checklist

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For benefits-eligible employees, the start of a new plan year is a great time to review all the MSU benefit options available to make sure you’re fully utilizing them throughout the year. The following list of tips and resources to consider will help you get the most out of your employee benefits:  

  1. Learn About Your New Caregiving Benefit: We recently implemented Cariloop, a new benefit that can assist with caregiving in all its many forms, whether that’s caring for children, a spouse, aging parents, and more. This benefit includes professional coaching (30 days of annual continuous support with the option to extend), caregiving tools, a trusted network of providers, and access to UrbanSitter.
  2. Schedule Wellness Check-ups: If you’re enrolled in an MSU health, dental, and/or vision plan, you’ve just entered a new plan year. Even though an annual check-up is usually recommended by doctors, many people miss out each year because they forget to schedule an appointment. Set your family up for success by scheduling an annual or wellness check-up now.  
  3. Prepare for Illness: Teladoc is an online medical care service that gives you 24/7 access to a health care professional via the web, phone, or mobile app in minutes. A doctor can even write you a prescription if necessary. Enroll in Teladoc now so you’re prepared when illness strikes.  Available to employees and their dependents who are enrolled in an MSU health plan.  
  4. Review Your Retirement Contributions: The IRS sets new retirement contribution limits each year, and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements have started, and the new Roth option is now available. Make sure you’re saving as much as you can by reviewing the 2026 IRS retirement contribution limits and SECURE Act 2.0 requirements and adjusting contributions if needed.  
  5. Note Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadlines: If you’re enrolled in an FSA for the 2025 and/or 2026 plan year, please note important deadlines and resources for utilizing your FSA funds.  
  6. Use Educational Assistance Funds: Support staff and academic specialist employees have access to educational assistance funds to use towards professional development opportunities. These funds reset each fall, so make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re looking for learning opportunities, we recommend checking out courses offered by HR’s Organization and Professional Development department.  
  7. Note Mental Health Resources: The MSU community offers a variety of mental health resources to employees and their dependents, along with the recently introduced free access to the Calm Health app.
  8. Schedule Vacation/Personal Paid Time Off (PTO): Taking time to rest and reset is important to maintain mental health. Make sure you’re using all your PTO by planning for the future and scheduling your time off in advance.  
  9. Utilize Employee Discounts: Visit the MSU Benefits Plus website for deals and discounts on everything from travel and experiences to electronics and toys.
  10. Review Voluntary Benefit Options: You may enroll in, change, or cancel auto, home, and pet insurance benefits at any time through the MSU Benefits Plus website.  Accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance only allow benefit changes during Open Enrollment in October.  
  11. Register for a Free Diabetes Management Program: If you or a dependent are living with diabetes, Livongo by Teladoc Health can help by providing free necessary medical supplies and optional coaching.  Employees or dependents enrolled in Medicare are not eligible (a similar program is available through Medicare).  
  12. Get a Second Medical Opinion: If you are facing a serious medical diagnosis, Teladoc Medical Experts can review your case and offer a second medical opinion from leading health care specialists. Coaching and online educational tools are also available.  Employees with mandated insurance under the Affordable Care Act are not eligible.  

We hope this list will help keep you on track as you plan how you and your family will use your employee benefits this year. You can learn more about all these benefit options on the HR website.